Unions and employers recommence pay talks

Social partners entered talks at Government Buildings this afternoon to begin a final two-day push aimed at reaching a resolution on a national wage agreement.

The sides were set to consider further draft proposals on a new deal after discussions were adjourned late last night.

A deadline of tomorrow evening has been set, whether a resolution is reached or not.

At the start of today’s talks, unions and employers remained significantly apart on issues such as pay, particularly for low-paid workers.

SIPTU claim possible cost-cutting plans by Aer Lingus to outsource up to 1,300 ground staff positions may jeopardise negotiations.

On his way into Government Buildings today, union president Jack O' Connor said he had written to the national airline asking for a clarification of its intentions.